Can You Eat Kohlrabi Leaves? The Complete Guide to Eating, Cooking, and Enjoying Kohlrabi Greens

Kohlrabi is best known for its unique, edible bulb. But what about those lush, leafy greens? Should you toss them aside or are they a hidden culinary treasure? For anyone passionate about reducing food waste, boosting nutrition, or simply expanding their kitchen repertoire, knowing whether you can eat kohlrabi leaves is a green question worth exploring.

Essential Highlights

Yes, you can eat kohlrabi leaves! They are not only edible but also delicious and nutritious, similar to kale, collard greens, and other brassica family vegetables[1][7].
Young, tender kohlrabi greens can be eaten raw in salads, while mature leaves are best cooked—sautéed, steamed, braised, or even added to soups and stir-fries[1][7].
Kohlrabi leaves are packed with vitamins (notably vitamin C), minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a health-boosting addition to your meals[2][5][8].
Simple preparation and cooking methods can unlock their best flavor and texture—think sautéing with garlic, tossing into soups, or braising with olive oil[1][7].
Reduce food waste and stretch your grocery budget by using both the bulb and greens from your kohlrabi haul.

<a href="#section-1">What Are Kohlrabi Leaves?</a>
<a href="#section-2">Are Kohlrabi Leaves Safe to Eat?</a>
<a href="#section-3">Nutritional Benefits of Kohlrabi Greens</a>
<a href="#section-4">How to Prepare and Cook Kohlrabi Leaves</a>
<a href="#section-5">Creative Ways to Enjoy Kohlrabi Leaves</a>
<a href="#section-6">Frequently Asked Questions</a>

What Are Kohlrabi Leaves?

Kohlrabi leaves are the broad, often dark-green foliage that grow above the vegetable’s bulbous stem.
These greens are part of the same botanical family as kale, cabbage, collard greens, and Brussels sprouts. They closely resemble collard or kale leaves in texture and nutritional quality, and—just like their brassica relatives—they are entirely edible[1][7].

When young and fresh, kohlrabi leaves are tender enough to add raw to salads, while older leaves become thicker and are best enjoyed cooked[4][7].

Are Kohlrabi Leaves Safe to Eat?

Absolutely—kohlrabi leaves are 100% edible.
Both the leaves and stems of the kohlrabi plant can be safely consumed. You can eat them raw (when young) or cooked (when more mature). Their flavor and culinary uses are quite similar to other leafy greens such as kale or collards[1][4][7].

Younger leaves are tender and mildly sweet, perfect for salads and slaws.
More mature leaves benefit from cooking to tenderize and mellow their flavor.

There are no known toxins or special preparation steps required to eat kohlrabi greens. Rinse thoroughly, remove tough stems if desired, and cook as you would other greens[7].

Nutritional Benefits of Kohlrabi Greens

Kohlrabi greens are a nutrient-dense food packed with key vitamins, minerals, and health-promoting compounds.

Rich in Vitamin C: Supports immune health, encourages iron absorption, and helps repair body tissues[2][8].
High in Fiber: Both soluble and insoluble fiber support gut health, satiety, and healthy blood sugar[2][5][8].
Contains Potassium: Essential for heart health and fluid balance[2][5][8].
Source of Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, and Magnesium: Support metabolism, red blood cell production, brain health, and bone strength[2][5][8].
Loaded with Antioxidants: Including carotenoids and phytosterols, which protect against cell damage and may lower cancer risk[5][8].

Adding kohlrabi greens to your diet helps promote digestive health, immune function, heart health, and strong bones, among other benefits[5][8].

How to Prepare and Cook Kohlrabi Leaves

Preparing kohlrabi leaves is easy, and they can be enjoyed in a variety of delicious ways.

To prepare:
1. Remove leaves from the kohlrabi bulb.
2. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
3. Pat dry with a clean towel.
4. Trim and discard any tough stems or ribs (optional—these can also be eaten when cooked longer).

Cooking Methods:
– Sauté: Quick and simple—just heat olive oil, add garlic, and toss in chopped leaves for 2–4 minutes until wilted.
– Steam or Boil: Cook chopped leaves for 3–5 minutes until just tender; season as desired.
– Braised: Braising with a splash of broth or wine enhances flavor and tenderness—try slow-cooking mature leaves for a southern-style greens dish[1].
– Raw: Use the smallest, youngest leaves in salads or slaws for a nutrient boost and mild flavor[4][7].

Creative Ways to Enjoy Kohlrabi Leaves

Kohlrabi leaves are versatile—think beyond basic sautéing! Try these ideas:

Add to Soups and Stews: Stir chopped greens into vegetable soup, lentil stew, or chicken broth near the end of cooking.
Blend into Smoothies: For a vitamin-rich green smoothie, blend a handful of young kohlrabi leaves with fruit and yogurt.
Wraps and Rolls: Use larger, mature leaves as a healthy, gluten-free wrap for grains, beans, or seasoned meats.
Stir-Fries: Toss sliced stems and leaves into Asian-inspired stir-fries for extra texture and nutrition.
Casseroles and Quiches: Substitute for spinach or kale in your favorite bake.

For more creative vegetable inspiration, check out CanYouEat and their specialty page on Kohlrabi Leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat the stems of kohlrabi leaves?
Yes, both the stems and leaves are edible. Just chop and cook them as you would with other hearty greens—thicker stems benefit from longer cooking[1][7].

What do kohlrabi greens taste like?
They have a mild, slightly sweet, earthy flavor, similar to collard greens or kale. Young leaves are more delicate and less bitter, while mature leaves have a heartier taste[4][7].

Are kohlrabi leaves more nutritious than the bulb?
Both the bulb and leaves are nutritious, but the leaves often have higher concentrations of certain vitamins (especially vitamin C and A) and antioxidants, much like other leafy green vegetables[2][5][8].

Can I use kohlrabi leaves in green smoothies?
Absolutely! Use young, tender leaves for the best texture and flavor in smoothies.

How should I store kohlrabi leaves?
Store unwashed greens in a plastic bag in the fridge’s crisper drawer. Use within a few days for peak freshness[8].

Can I freeze kohlrabi leaves?
Yes—wash, chop, and blanch them briefly in boiling water, then chill in ice water, drain, and freeze in airtight containers for later use[4].

Where can I find more information on eating vegetable greens?
Visit CanYouEat.co.uk for comprehensive guides and check out resources from the Royal Horticultural Society, BBC Good Food, and Healthline’s Nutrition Section.

For even more practical tips on enjoying your harvest, see our guide on Can You Eat Kohlrabi Leaves? and browse CanYouEat’s vegetable directory.

Can You Eat Kohlrabi Leaves